On November 15, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a final rule extending the current telehealth prescribing flexibilities of the COVID-19 public health emergency until December 31, 2025. The current flexibilities allow any prescriber the ability to prescribe a controlled substance using telehealth without a prior in-person visit.

There has been considerable concern from many consumers and health care groups about eliminating this flexibility as could exacerbate access issues.  LeadingAge has advocated for the continued flexibility for patients on hospice, in skilled nursing facilities, and those who are homebound. However, other advocates are concerned about issues with diversion of these controlled substances.

This extension will allow the incoming administration another year to issue proposed rules and finalize any changes to current policy.